Every worker on a Portuguese construction site needs a health check before starting work, then a further check at regular intervals afterwards.
What it means
An occupational health check looks at whether a worker is fit for the job they are about to do. On a construction site, this covers the physical demands and risks of the work, such as heavy lifting, working at height, or noise. The check is carried out by an occupational health professional, and the result is recorded on a fitness certificate.
Who has to do it
Every worker on site needs a check, regardless of the type of contract. This applies to employees and to self-employed workers doing the same kind of work.
When
A first check has to happen before the person starts work. After that, checks continue at set intervals. Workers under 18 or over 50 need a check every year. All other workers need one every two years.
How it works
The check assesses the worker against the tasks and risks of the job they will do. If the worker is found fit, this is recorded, and the worker can start or continue working. If a problem is found, the employer needs to act on it, for example by adjusting duties or arranging further care, before the person continues in that role.
What to watch out for
It is easy to treat the first check as a one-off box to tick. The follow-up checks matter just as much, especially for younger and older workers, who are checked more often because of their higher risk profile.
The interval is not the same for everyone. Workers under 18 or over 50 are checked every year; everyone else, every two years.